The Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson said the painting by acclaimed Aboriginal artist Jean Baptiste Apuatimi of the Tiwi islands, was symbolic of the historic connection.

"The Tiwi island people made history in terms of that it was a Tiwi islander who captured one of the Japanese zero pilots," Mr Henderson said.

In 1942, 188 Japanese Zeros attacked Darwin, and 89 US sailors lost their lives defending Australia. Tiwi islanders alerted Darwin to the approaching enemy and were the first to capture the Japanese on Australian soil, using traditional hunting techniques.

To this day, a "Bombing of Darwin Dance" is re-enacted by the Tiwi people to remember the day so many Americans lost their lives.

The painting is a representation of Tiwi body markings that feature in traditional Tiwi ceremonies.

"It's a gorgeous piece of artwork and one day it will find its home in the presidential library. Whenever his term finishes, it will become part of his library," Mr Henderson said.

The Territory Insurance Office has also created a crocodile attack insurance policy for the President with a payout of $50,000 - a gift the Chief Minister said will be unmatched.

Catching a glimpse

The President's visit will see highly restrictive security measures in place across the city, with slim chances the public will be able to catch a glimpse of Barack Obama or his motorcade.

Sections of road will be blocked for half hour periods during the President's motorcade trip to the USS Peary where he will lay a wreath, but the exact route he will take is not known.

Chief Minister Paul Henderson said he was disappointed allowances weren't made for a public viewing location - an idea he mooted with authorities.

"We have to respect the security of the President," he said.

"I did request a viewing area...but unfortunately that wasn't able to happen."

Esplanade access will be limited tomorrow and stopping on Amy Johnson Drive, where many go to watch planes land, will be prohibited.

Special guests

The less than three-hour visit will include only a small selection of invited guests from the public.

The guests are being confirmed for events including a wreath-laying ceremony at the USS Peary memorial, a formal address at the RAAF base in Darwin and a performance by blind Aboriginal singer Gurrumul Yunupingu and Jessica Mouboy.

One invitee, Lyn Strathie chose to decline the invitation because of a commitment to a volunteer board meeting in Canberra.

"Yesterday afternoon I had a phone call...it was 'well we'd like you to meet Barack Obama on Thursday, are you available?' and I said no," Ms Strathie aid.

"They said 'cancel your trip'."

The community volunteer and activist said she did not expect the invitation and was unsure of why she was selected but admired the President greatly.

"I can't believe that I said no and I'm getting on the plane at lunch time," she said.

"When I get to the board meeting in Canberra I'm going to say do you realise what I've turned down to be here?"

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